SUCCESs STORIES FROM KOSOVO
Meet the entrepreneurs who chose to build their future in Kosovo. Through their businesses, they are driving the innovation and growth that starts right here, creating opportunities for the next generation. Explore their journeys and see what’s possible when you Stay and Thrive in Kosovo.
Blendrit Elezaj - Co-founder and Managing Partner at Tactica
Blendrit is the founder and managing force behind a portfolio of three companies: Tactica, a results-driven digital marketing agency transforming U.S. and international brands through data and strategy; Outsorcy, a global outsourcing SaaS and services platform; and GIG, an eLearning initiative bringing innovation to underserved markets, beginning with Kosovo. Through these ventures, Blendrit is building an ecosystem of products and services designed to power smarter, scalable business growth while cultivating a future-ready workforce.
Blendrit holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from Rochester Institute of Technology and an MBA in Marketing & Entrepreneurship from Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management.
Reflecting on his journey, Blendrit says: “I’ve found it very interesting that in entrepreneurship, and in any job, things often seem more complicated than they really are.”
Valon Canhasi - Founder at Hallakate and at Shkolla.Ai
Valon is the Founder of Hallakate, a creative consulting agency helping organizations communicate with clarity, cultural relevance, and strategic simplicity. Founder and host of the 3GO Podcast, a co-founder of Keiretsu Forum SEE and HaPiTe, a founder of Shkolla.Ai, and the creator of Valon.Ai.
Valon has led some of the most impactful digital communication projects in Kosovo and Albania, working with top brands across telecom, banking, retail, and the public sector.
With 15+ years of experience and having trained over 5,000 professionals, he continues to shape the region’s digital, creative, and entrepreneurial landscape.
Valon holds a degree in Computer Engineering (Computer Science – Media Technologies) from South East European University (SEEU).
Through years of building projects and businesses, Valon has realized that “for every initiative, everyone will have a comment, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop, you have to keep working on it.“
Çelik Nimani, Managing Director & Director of Sales (DACH) at Valtech
Çelik Nimani is a well‑known entrepreneur, technology leader, and startup ecosystem influencer from Kosovo. He works directly with companies that want sharper strategy, faster execution, and healthier growth. He is the Managing Director for Southeast Europe at Valtech.
Çelik co-founded FRAKTON, grew it, and helped lead its acquisition into Melon and later Kin + Carta. Earlier, he founded Zombie Soup, a software studio that was later acquired by a US healthcare company.
With over 18 years of experience, he has led major technology and digital transformation projects across Kosovo, the Western Balkans, and Europe, supporting enterprise clients and hundreds of startups while shaping the region’s tech and innovation landscape.
Çelik holds a degree in Engineering and began his career blending technology, media, and entrepreneurship – a foundation that informs his approach to building globally minded technology ventures.
His advice for the youth of Kosovo: “If you have the ambition or you have an idea, you want to solve a problem, the first step is to start. If you’re unsure how to begin, don’t hesitate to reach out to people who have already done this. Prepare your questions in advance and be clear about what you want to learn from their answers. Move on and be consistent.”
Flandra Marmullaku - Co-Founder and Managing Director of TMS (DATA4X, Source2X)
Flandra is the co-founder and managing director of Talent Management Services (TMS), providing advisory services across industries and helping organizations turn insights into actionable strategy. She is an experienced management consultant specializing in communication strategy, business transformation, and data-driven decision-making.
Under her leadership, TMS has developed two flagship platforms: Data4X, a leading Market Intelligence Platform covering Kosovo and the region, delivering structured macroeconomic, sectoral, and labor market insights; and Source2X, a talent intelligence platform connecting skilled professionals with market demand. She also leads The Future of Business, an annual high-level economic conference powered by Data4X insights, convening decision-makers to drive dialogue on the state of the economy through structured data.
Reflecting on her journey, Flandra has a message for the youth of Kosovo: “Believe in your vision. There will be obstacles, people, and situations that try to discourage you, but if you stay focused, trust in what you want to offer or build, and maintain discipline and consistency, the journey of entrepreneurship is worth it. We live in a place full of talent and potential, and we should never limit ourselves.”
Arben Zeqiri - Vice President at Radix
Arben Zeqiri is the Vice President of Radix Kosovo’s operations. Since 2018, he has been instrumental in establishing and expanding the office. He has strengthened its regional presence while delivering high-impact solutions to public and private-sector institutions.
Arben has more than 25 years of experience in leadership and consulting. Throughout these years, he has successfully delivered complex international projects across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. His expertise spans enterprise and government resource planning, public financial management, and project management, consistently driving modernization, stronger governance frameworks, and long-term institutional sustainability.
Through his work, Arben continues to contribute to building resilient institutions and advancing large-scale transformation initiatives both regionally and globally.
His advice for students and young people is “to always be as curious as possible about the world. Stay informed about what exists, the latest developments, and read more to learn in various ways. Keep up with current trends in technology and society. Travel as much as you can to broaden your understanding of different cultures and gain various perspectives on the world.”
Rita Hajdini - Founder & CEO at Lazdrohu
Rita Hajdini is the Founder and CEO of Lazdrohu n’Ferme, an agritourism and educational farm in Kosovo. The initiative originally started in 2020 as a kids-oriented sports and recreation center in Prishtina and, after two years of development, evolved into a nature-based farm experience for children and families.
Together with Rinor Zuka, Rita created Lazdrohu with the vision of reconnecting children with nature, animals, and outdoor play. The farm offers a safe and inspiring environment where children learn through hands-on experiences such as caring for animals, gardening, outdoor adventures, hiking, camping, and creative farm activities.
Rita’s work focuses on helping children develop healthier and more active lifestyles while strengthening their connection with nature and the environment.
Rita is a graduate of the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, with a degree in Physical Education and Sports. She combines entrepreneurship with social impact, working to ensure that more children have access to supportive environments that encourage physical development, confidence, and an active lifestyle.
Thinking about her journey, Rita has a message for the youngsters living in Kosovo: “To be passionate, energetic, and not be afraid to dream and work. Don’t expect success to come after a day or a year; beautiful things require time and consistent work.”